Robotic Gripper With Integrated Sensors For Sample Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical laboratory systems are inefficient due to manual operation, limited automation, and compatibility issues with various sample tube types and analyzers from different manufacturers, leading to increased processing time and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modular laboratory system with a central controller and robotic gripper units that can identify and handle multiple sample tube types, prioritize samples, and manage the flow of samples through five basic functional units: manager, centrifuge, aliquotter, output/sorter, and storage units, using image acquisition and absorption/transmission measurement for sample level detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional robotic arms are used to transport sample containers, then gripping function is provided, but the system cannot perform additional functions and is limited to gripping only
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm is designed with multi-functionality by integrating various sensors (optical, ultrasound, magnetic coil, camera, bar code reader) and detection devices directly onto the arm structure. This allows a single robotic arm to perform multiple functions including sample container gripping, detection, identification, and level measurement, rather than requiring separate dedicated devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple detection and sensing functions are merged into the robotic arm structure. The optical sensor, ultrasound sensor, magnetic coil, camera, and bar code reader are combined on a single movable unit (the robotic arm), allowing all these functions to be performed from one location and reducing the number of separate systems needed.
2Extent of automation
If stand-alone detection devices are used for sample volume and level detection, then detection function is provided, but manual operation is required and automation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm with integrated sensors performs detection functions automatically as it moves through the sample processing system. The arm autonomously identifies sample containers, reads bar codes, detects liquid levels, and measures sample volumes without requiring manual intervention or separate stand-alone detection devices, thereby automating the entire process.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm serves as an intermediary between the sample containers and the detection systems. By mounting all detection devices on the movable robotic arm, the system eliminates the need for manual operation of separate detection devices while maintaining ease of integration and operation through a single automated unit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If current robotic arm technology is used, then gripping of sample containers is possible, but gripping of centrifuge buckets is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper unit is designed with dynamic adaptability, allowing it to change its gripping mechanism based on the object being handled. The gripper can transition between different gripping modes to accommodate both cylindrical sample containers and centrifuge buckets, enabling a single gripper design to handle multiple object types without requiring separate dedicated grippers.
4Productivity
If manual operation is used in laboratory systems, then flexibility is maintained, but processing time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm operates continuously to perform sample container transport, detection, and handling operations throughout the sample processing workflow. By automating these operations with a continuous robotic system rather than intermittent manual intervention, the overall sample processing throughput is increased and processing time is reduced.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves faster, more accurate, and efficient sample processing with reduced manual intervention, minimizing contamination and optimizing turnaround time and throughput by automating sample handling and management across different laboratory phases.
Implementation Method 1
determining liquid level by a pipetting and dispensing arm... utilizing an analysis of absorption and transmission curves at distinct wavelengths performed by an absorption and transmission measurement unit
Data Source
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AI summary
An analytical laboratory system and method for processing samples is disclosed. A sample container is transported from an input area to a distribution area by a gripper comprising a means for inspecting a tube. An image is captured of the sample container. The image is analyzed to determine a sample container identification. A liquid level of the sample in the sample container is determined. A scheduling system determines a priority for processing the sample container based on the sample container identification. The sample container is transported from the distribution area to a subsequent processing module by the gripper.